Sporting Pride, Ireland’s leading non-profit organisation dedicated to LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport, has launched a new Strategy Statement for 2025–2027.

The comprehensive plan aims to break down barriers, foster inclusivity, and encourage greater sports and physical activity participation within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Each priority is broken down into goals and actions, with clear ambitions and metrics for achieving them.

As an example within the inclusivity section, it undertakes to explore hosting an international conference on LGBTQIA+ sport at a high level and to increase the number of inclusion training sessions it delivers at a more granular level.

The strategy comes at a critical time, as research shows that over 75 per cent of people in Ireland have witnessed homophobia in sports, while nearly 20 per cent of LGBTQIA+ individuals avoid sports altogether due to fear of discrimination.

Recognising the need for change, Sporting Pride has set out a clear roadmap to create a future where every individual feels safe, welcomed, and empowered to take part in sport at all levels.

“This isn’t just a strategy,” said Co-Chair of Sporting Pride Aidan Walsh. “It is a call to action.”

“Our 40-plus LGBTQIA+ sports clubs have provided vital safe spaces, but more needs to be done.”

“By strengthening partnerships with Sport Ireland, National Governing Bodies, and Local Sports Partnerships, we can break down barriers and ensure that LGBTQIA+ people feel fully included in sport, from grassroots participation to leadership roles.”

“We believe in the power of sport to unite, inspire, and transform lives. Together, we can build a sporting culture where every LGBTQIA+ person feels seen, heard, and valued.”

Since its establishment in 2018, Sporting Pride has played a transformative role in Irish sport.

The number of LGBTQIA+ sports clubs in Ireland has grown from 15 to more than 40, while the organisation has built partnerships with over 30 National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships.

In 2024 alone, Sporting Pride hosted over 35 events, engaging more than 2,000 participants annually since 2022.

It has secured funding from major grants, including the Dormant Accounts Fund and the Tesco Community Fund. It has represented Ireland at international sporting events such as the EuroGames in Bern and Vienna.

Dwyne Hill, CEO of Pitch & Putt Ireland, highlighted the impact of Sporting Pride’s work, saying that collaboration with the organisation had strengthened the sport’s commitment to inclusivity and increased diversity within its membership.

Flavio Santos of Bravo Volleyball echoed this sentiment, noting that Sporting Pride had helped the club expand, forge stronger ties with Volleyball Ireland, and represent Ireland internationally.

The strategy aligns with key Irish government policies, including the National Sports Policy 2018–2027, Sport Ireland’s Diversity and Inclusion Policy, the LGBTI+ Youth Strategy, and the Healthy Ireland Framework, reinforcing the national commitment to equality in sport.

 

Further Reading for Sport for Business members:

Sport Steps Up and Steps Out for Pride

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

At a time when equality, diversity and inclusion are being pushed back in America and elsewhere, it is more important than ever that allies step up to support those whose place in and view of the sporting world is different to the mainstream.  All of us are better for listening to other voices, living different experiences and supporting people who want to be themselves.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

Sport for Business and Sporting Pride will look at ways in which we can further enhance their growing position as a representative body across Irish sport.

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